DeWitt Mallary Antique Rug and Textile Art

Baluch Camel Ground Balisht

Iran or Afghanistan, last quarter 19th Century, 19" x 32"

Related balishts were produced well into the 20th century, in a wide
range of qualities.

This example is woven with soft shiny wool, with about 100 knots per
square inch. The small border just outside the field is standard on the
finely woven small "vanity bags" related to this piece by wool and
weave, but not so often seen on balishts. The careful placement of the
white border elements, and the subtle difference between the brown-red
color and the aubergine shade are among the details that qualify this as
an outstanding example.

A few spots of wear, a selvage break on the left side, some brown
corrosion, but as you can see from the back, the piece has had very
little use.